Lindsey Horan’s astute leadership and locker-room tactics played a huge role in the USWNT winning its record fifth Olympic gold in Paris. However, Horan’s campaign was far from perfect, as her display in the US midfield was riddled with woes. We saw her pace decline and also the USWNT’s back-line covering up for the midfield’s costly errors. Yet, coach Emma Hayes has overlooked Horan’s shortcomings, citing her leadership skills. For the same reason, many believe that Horan has a long time left in the USWNT camp.

On the back of the USWNT skipper’s lackluster showing at the Olympic tournament, many wonder if she has a bright future on the team. It must also be noted that there has been a change in guard in the USWNT lately, as Hayes is bullish on youngsters. However, women’s soccer journalist Claire Watkins thinks that Lindsey Horan’s USWNT skipper’s job is safe.

“I don’t know at this point if Hayes would maybe agree with some of that larger feeling that the balance of maybe Horan’s inability to move with Pace or to handle the ball well in the Midfield outweighs the leadership and the commitment role I mean if you have someone who you think is that missing piece in terms of the intangibles you let some things go right so I think that’s one question which is like I don’t necessarily think that we’re seeing the last of Lindsey Horan anytime soon,” said Claire Watkins during a recent The Late Sub episode on Just Women’s Sports.

Meanwhile, Watkins also recalled how gleefully Emma Hayes spoke about Horan’s leadership prowess in response to her naysayers. What did Coach Hayes say about the US skipper? Let’s find out.

Lindsey Horan’s USWNT future is far from being in jeopardy, as Hayes hails her captaincy

Even while celebrating the USWNT’s monumental gold medal game win, Emma Hayes was aware of the vitriol against Lindsey Horan’s performances. Perhaps that’s why she urged the USWNT faithful to give credit for her valuable contributions behind the scenes. “This leader beside me, you don’t see all the work she does off of the pitch. You don’t see all the conversations she has, whether it’s to help nurture a young player. Or whether it’s to settle nerves or to remind people of their confidence,” said Hayes, referring to Horan after the gold medal game.

The USWNT captain immediately fought back her tears when she heard the former Chelsea boss’ grand praise. Fully convinced of Horan’s leadership acumen, the British coach revealed that the former had, time and again, made her job easier. Hayes said that the 31-year-old was never hesitant to be firm and fair with fellow players in the locker room.

The USWNT next plays three friendlies in October and November. Those games are vital considering Team USA has to utilize all playing chances to prepare for the US-hosted 2027 Women’s World Cup. Perhaps that would be an immediate chance for Lindsey Horan to improve her midfield displays to back her already supreme captaincy.